Transport systems comprising a carrying track co-operating with ground-effect machines

ABSTRACT

A transport system comprises the combination of an overhead track, having a substantially cylindrical external surface, and a vehicle suspended from a top support member slidable along said track and bearing on the external surface thereof by way of pressure fluid cushions or other lifting means permitting said vehicle to rock around the track axis, and is characterised by means for opposing said rocking motion of said vehicle and angularly stabilizing said vehicle relative to said track, said means comprising an external guide fin projecting from said track external surface and co-operating with guide means carried by said top support member.

United States Patent [191 Bertin 1 Mar. 26, 1974 1 TRANSPORT SYSTEMS COMPRISING A CARRYING TRACK CO-OPERATING WITH GROUND-EFFECT MACHINES [75] Inventor: Jean Henri Berlin,

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data May 13, 1970 France 70.17368 [52] US. Cl 104/23 FS, 104/89 [51] B6lb 13/08 [58] Field of Search 16/87, 89, 71, 73, 76;

3,587,473 6/1971 Weiss 104/93 3,125,694 3/1964 Silverman.. 104/23 FS 3,611,944 10/1971 Reder l 104/23 FS 3,225,228 12/1965 Roshala.. 104/23 FS 3,457,876 7/1969 Holden 104/89 2,229,002 1/1941 Cowey 105/153 Primary ExaminerRobert J. Spar Assistant Examiner-D. W. Keen Attorney, Agent, or Firm-A. W. Breiner 5 7] ABSTRACT A transport system comprises the combination of an overhead track, having a substantially cylindrical external surface, and a vehicle suspended from a top support member slidable along said track and bearing on the external surface thereof by way of pressure fluid cushions or other lifting means permitting said vehicle to rock around the track axis, and is characterised by means for opposing said rocking motion of said vehicle and angularly stabilizing said vehicle relative to said track, said means comprising an external guide fin projecting from said track external surface and co-operating with guide means carried by said top support member.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUIARZB 1914 Q 3,799,061

sum 2 or 3 TRANSPORT SYSTEMS COMPRISING A CARRYING TRACK CO-OPERATING WITH GROUND-EFFECT MACHINES Transport systems are known wherein machines run below an overhead track mounted on posts or pillars or the like. In some of these systems the machines are mounted on and guided by wheels, while other systems of this kind use machines in which fluid cushions at a positive or negative pressure co-operate with a special track. The track used in all systems of this kind comprises a beam-like structure strong enough to withstand bending forces due to the weight of the machine, and bearing and guiding surfaces. There have been a variety of suggestions for tracks, such as using as prestressed concrete or all-metal beams.

This invention relates to a very simple kind of track which is very suitable for use in a suspension transport system. The track comprises a substantially cylindrical tube which is mounted on posts or pillars or the like, and a dependent extension is secured to the tubular track along a generatrix, the securing being by appropriate means such as screwthreaded fasteners or welding. The dimensions of the tube and of the dependent extension are such that these integers can withstand forces due to the weight of the machine at the betweenposts spacing used. Advantageously, the tube is a standard kind used for pipelines; similarly, the dependent extension can be a standard section member. Preferably, the dependent extension is disposed along the bottom generatrix of the tube, in which event such extension experiences symmetrical tension from the weight of the machine and the system formed by the tube and the dependent extension forms a high-inertia beam which can satisfactorily withstand bending stresses.

The track according to the invention has a number of advantages. Fluid lift cushions can co-operate with the top part of the tube; since the tube has a very good surface texture, working clearances can be very small and cushion pressures can be appreciably higher than normally used. The bearing surfaces can therefore be reduced and the power consumption required to produce lift remains tolerable and comparable with the power consumption of low-pressure systems. The dependent extension performs more than one function. It cooperates with the tube to guide the machine and helps to locate the same satisfactorily notwithstanding the action on the machine of lateral forces tending to make it rock around the tubular part of the track. For instance, the dependent extension keeps the machine in a substantially vertical position on straight sections of track and compensates for lateral wind forces; on curved track the dependent extension enables the machine to tilt so as to reduce the effect of centrifugal forces. The guide means co-operating with the dependent extension can be of known kind, such as cushions of the same kind as the lift cushions, negative-pressure cushions, dry or lubricated rubbing cushions such as disclosed by French Pat. Specification No. 1,499,223, wheels or rollers etc..

The dependent extension can also serve as the thrust reaction for a linear motor in the manner disclosed by Bertin et al.s U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,170; when electric traction is used as described in Bertin et al.s U.S. Pat. No. 3,190,235 the dependent extension can be used as a current collector, and it can be used for opposed-shoe braking facilities as used in the process disclosed by Bertin et al.s U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,361.

The machine can be a vehicle and comprise a passenger and/or freight cabin suspended on one or more bearing carriages or trucks or trolleys or cradles or the like. The support truck is a beam with one or more curved arms above it; the curved arms have at their top ends the cushion-containing means which extend over the top of the tubular part of the track beam to provide good distribution and cen'tring; the fluid cushions are, with advantage, compartmented and, preferably, independently energised. Also disposed at the arm top ends are safety and rest skids or wheels which engage with the top part of the tube when the fluid cushions are not providing lift as, for example, when the machine is stationary. The wheels can help at least periodically to drive the machine. The driving motors and the pressure fluid generators supplying the lift and guiding cushions are disposed at the bottom and are borne by the beam of the support truck. The cabin is disposed below the beam and can be directly connected to the support truck. As a rule but optionally two support trucks per cabin are provided, in which event an intermediate member can, conveniently, be disposed between each such truck and the cabin, the intermediate member being connected to the truck by a pivot around which the intermediate member can pivot; preferably, the cabin is connected to the intermediate member by known kinds of suspension elements. This feature obviates directional dependency as between the trucks and the cabin.

The support posts have provision for fixing in the ground and transverse track-bearing cantilever arms, provision being made for track alignment adjustments. Advantageously, the track takes the form of pieces of limited length which are assembled together at erection. To facilitate the positioning of the track pieces end-to-end and track alignment, tubular sleeves are introduced into'the ends of the track pieces or sections; these tubular members may help to strengthen the beams. Preferably, joints between sections of track are disposed near the support posts and arms.

The system can comprise two tracks which are, with advantage, parallel to one another and which are supported one on each side of the posts to provide a double-track system. Switching operations can be effected by bending the beam, by means of a transversely movable section etc..

The track according to the invention can be used satisfactorily with various known kinds of propulsion. For instance, linear electric motors can be used. Another possibility is to use a rack drive as disclosed by Bertin application Ser. No. 832,749, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,666, and in application No. 860,747, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,516. In this case the rack is, with advantage, combined with the dependent extension of the track beam; the pinion axis can be horizontal or vertical or at an inclination therebetween. The driving motors and the motors required for pressure fluid supply can be combustion engines or electric motors, each support truck comprising its motor or motors.

The tubular part of the track can readily be made sealing-tight yet capable of expansion and thus be used for the conveyance of a liquid or gas. More particularly, the fluid, which can be compressed air, can be discharged through orifices in the track to reduce the cushions and provide the drive, in the manner disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,378.

A track according to the invention is suitable for very high speed running as compared with the known kinds of suspension systems, for the risk of piston jamming or piston drag e.g. in negative pressure systems is absent, and since the support trucks are given satisfactory transverse location by means of the dependent extension, there is no transverse rocking and cross-wind resistance can be as high as required.

The following description, taken together with the accompanying exemplary non-limitative drawings, will show clearly how the invention can be practised.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is an overall view in elevation of an overhead transport system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view to an enlarged scale of part of FIG. 1 showing a support truck or trolley or carriage or cradle or the like according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view to an enlarged scale along the line IIIIII of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a constructional variant of the support truck according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a single-track transport system;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a double-track transport system;

FIG. 7 is a view in longitudinal section of the track according to the invention at a place where two of the sections which make up the track are joined together;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of a constructional variant of a transport system according to the invention comprising a rack, and

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing another constructional variant of a transport system according to the invention.

FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 show a transport system wherein a machine 1 is suspended from two trucks or trolleys or carriages or cradles or the like 2, 3 which bear on a track 4 according to the invention borne on arms 6 which cantilever outwards from posts or pillars or the like 5 disposed at an appropriate spacing from one another. There are lift cushions 7 and guiding cushions 8.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through the track and through a support truck. The track 4 comprises a tube 9 to which a dependent extension 10 is secured by welding or any other known form of securing. In the particular example shown the extension 10 is a standard I-section member; however, without departing from the scope of the invention the extension 10 could be a T- or U-section member or a flat metal member or even a tube. The track 4 is secured to the cantilever arms 6.

The cabin is suspended on a support truck with the interposition of suspension elements 11 which are, preferably, resilient, for instance, helical springs or any other known suspension system comprising resilient portions and dampers. The elements 11 are secured to a frame 12 connected to beam 14 of the support truck by way of a pivot 13. The support truck comprises a beam 14 and two curved arms 15 which extend around above the top cylindrical part 9 of the track; each arm also has a protuberance 16a which is disposed opposite another protuberance 16b. The protuberances are placed respectively on each side of the web of the dependent extension 10. The lift cushions 7 are contained by a rigid cylindrical wall 17 secured to the inside of the curved arms 15 and by walls 18 which are, with advantage, deformable and/or movable as described e.g. by US. Pat. No. 3,385,390 or by French Pat. Specification No. l,5l3,276. The lift cushions 7 extend facing the top cylindrical part 9 of the track over at least one-third and preferably over two-fifths of its periphery. The number of cushions 7 depends upon vehicle dimensions; advantageously there can be six lift cushions 7 disposed symmetrically in groups of three in relation to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the vehicle; this leads to a support truck having two axial cushions with, on each side of the axial cushions, two side cushions. Inside the cushions there are safety and rest skids or the like 19 which contact the track when the cushions cease to operate i.e., when the positive pressure of the cushions is very low or zero. The integers 19 can of course be outside the lift cushions 7; preferably, the integers 19 are disposed near the curved arms 15 of the support truck.

The protuberances 16a, 16b are associated with guide cushions 8; preferably there is at least one guiding cushion per protuberance, giving a total of four guiding cushions, two on each side of the dependent extension 10. The lateral cushion-containing walls are, with advantage, deformable and/or movable, as previously stated.

Pressure fluid is supplied to the cushions 7, 8 through lines 20 which can be contrived in the curved arms 15. These pressure fluid generators and the motors have been represented diagrammatically by the integers 21, 22.

The lift cushions contained between the cylindrical wall 17 and the walls or lips 18 can guide the truck along the track, but the truck might oscillate around the axis of the tube which forms the track, and so the guiding cushions 8 co-operate with both sides of the dependent extension 10 to give the truck a desired transverse orientation.

Advantageously, the machine 1 can be driven by linear electric motors 25.

In the constructional variant shown in FIG. 4, the support truck has only a single curved arm 24; this feature makes it possible to leave the site of the motors 21 completely clear and facilitate their installation on the support truck beams. Also visible are the lift cushions 7 and the guiding cushions 8. Elements 23 of a shoe brake system acting on both sides of the dependent extension 10 are disposed between the guiding cushions.

The track comprises sections which can be joined together in the manner visible in FIG. 7. A tubular sleeve 28 is secured inside a tube 27 by rivets 29. The outer I diameter of member 28 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of tube 27. Member 28 projects beyond the end of tube 27. The tube 30 of another piece or sec tion of track is fitted to that part of the member 28 which is outside the tube 27; the inner diameter of tube 30 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of tube 27. The tube 30 may or may not be rigidly connected either to the member 29 or to the tube 27. In the case of a rigid connection between the two tubes, a gusset 320 can, with advantage, also be provided and positioned at the bottom of the dependent extension 32. The free end of member 28 can, with advantage, be movable inside tube 30 to compensate for expansion.

Sealing means 45 can be disposed between member 28 and the ends of the tubes 27 and 30; more particularly if fluid is conveyed in the hollow interior of the track. The conveyed fluid can be used to form the lift and/or guiding cushions. Accordingly, the track is, with advantage, formed with check valves 31 through which the pressure fluid issues as the machine passes by.

In FIG. 8, there can be seen an embodiment showing that the track according to the invention is very suitable for rack and pinion drive. A rack 33 is secured to the bottom part of the track tube 9. Meshing with rack 33 is a pinion 34 whose axis of rotation is substantially horizontal and which is driven by a motor 35. The machine moves along the track 40 on its cushions 7 and on shoes or runners or skids or the like 80 which can be adapted to shape and maintain films of lubricant or similar materials. The integers 80 can, if desired, be covered by or made of a material having a coefficient of friction which is very small or negligible as compared with the material forming the guiding extension or dependent extension 100. The integers 100 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 take the form of bent and welded pieces of sheet metal.

FIG. 9 shows a variant wherein a rack 37 is secured to one of the surfaces of the guide extension 100; pinion 38 has a substantially vertical axis of rotation. A spar 41, advantageously, a flat metal member or a section member or possibly even a tube, is secured to the track-bearing cantilever arms 6. Integer 41 has a bearing surface with which cushions 44 contrived on protuberances 42 of support arm 43 co-operate. Clearly, the cushions 44, and the cushions 8 associated with the protuberances 16a, inhibit oscillations of the support truck around the track tube, at least some lift being provided by the cushions 7. Integer 41 may or may not be secured to the track tube 9.

According to another feature (not shown), no second dependent extension such as the integer 41 is provided, in which case the support truck is maintained in an appropriate position by the reactions of the guiding cushions 8 associated with the protuberances 16a co-operating with the integer 100 and by the reaction of the pinion 38 co-operating with the rack 37.

There can be seen in FIG. 8 a protective covering 36 which covers the track and shows that the same can readily be given protection from inclement weather.

In an embodiment which is not shown, the machine might move along a track as disclosed by this invention with the interposition of negative-pressure fluid layers co-operating with the bottom part of the tube, with guidance by bearing means of a kind already described co-operating with the fitted dependent extension.

Of course, the previous embodiments have been given only as examples and can be altered, inter alia by the substitution of equivalent technical means, without for that reason departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention is of use in transport systems comprising ground-effect machines such as very-high delivery vehicles and lifts, for instance, ski lifts.

I claim:

1. A transport system comprising an elevated track having a part cylindrical top surface, a carriage movable along and beneath said elevated track and depending from a curved upper extension overtopping said top surface, a plurality of superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions interposed between said upper extension and said top surface to lift said upper extension upwardly of said top surface while allowing substantially frictionless free angular displacement of said curved upper extension about the axis of said part cylindrical top surface, a first external guide fin fast with and projecting from a first portion of said track arcuately spaced from said top surface thereof, and guide means fitted to a part integral with said upper extension and distinct from said superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions for engaging said guide fin to angularly locate and stabilize said upper extension relatively to said track, said guide means comprising a superatmospheric pressure fluid cushioning interposed between a side portion of said guide fin and said integral part.

2. A transport system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second external guide fin fast with and projecting from a second portion of said track arcuately spaced from both said top surface thereof and said first portion thereof, said first and second guide fins being mutually angularly spaced about said track, and further guide means fitted to another part integral with said upper extension and distinct from said superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions for engaging said second guide fin also to angularly locate and stabilize said upper extension relatively to said track.

3. A transport system as claimed in claim 2, wherein both said first and second external guide fins are integral with said track, thereby enhancing the bending resistance thereof.

4. A transport system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said guide means comprises a superatmospheric pressure fluid cushioning interposed between a side portion of the respective guide fin and the respective integral part, the action exerted by one cushioning on said upper extension being antagonistic to that of the other cushioning.

5. A transport system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rack fast with said track and extending parallel to said guide fin in spaced relation with said guide means, and a drive pinion borne by said carriage and meshing with said rack. 

1. A transport system comprising an elevated track having a part cylindrical top surface, a carriage movable along and beneath said elevated track and depending from a curved upper extension overtopping said top surface, a plurality of superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions interposed between said upper extension and said top surface to lift said upper extension upwardly of said top surface while allowing substantially frictionless free angular displacement of said curved upper extension about the axis of said part cylindrical top surface, a first external guide fin fast with and projecting from a first portion of said track arcuately spaced from said top surface thereof, and guide means fitted to a part integral with said upper extension and distinct from said superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions for engaging said guide fin to angularly locate and stabilize said upper extension relatively to said track, said guide means comprising a superatmospheric pressure fluid cushioning interposed between a side portion of said guide fin and said integral part.
 2. A transport system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second external guide fin fast with and projecting from a second portion of said track arcuately spaced from both said top surface thereof and said first portion thereof, said first and second guide fins being mutually angularly spaced about said track, and further guide means fitted to another part integral with said upper extension and distinct from said superatmospheric pressure fluid cushions for engaging said second guide fin also to angularly locate and stabilize said upper extension relatively to said track.
 3. A transport system as claimed in claim 2, wherein both said first and second external guide fins are integral with said track, thereby enhancing the bendinG resistance thereof.
 4. A transport system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said guide means comprises a superatmospheric pressure fluid cushioning interposed between a side portion of the respective guide fin and the respective integral part, the action exerted by one cushioning on said upper extension being antagonistic to that of the other cushioning.
 5. A transport system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rack fast with said track and extending parallel to said guide fin in spaced relation with said guide means, and a drive pinion borne by said carriage and meshing with said rack. 